'We have to free up the time of GPs,' says health minister

GPs are to have more time to focus on caring for the most vulnerable patients under a new contract.

The deal with the Welsh government will see the removal of some "unnecessary" bureaucracy, and is part of a plan to reform primary care services.

Changes over the next two years could see a requirement for surgeries to offer more GP appointments and repeat prescription services online.

The Welsh government said the new arrangements for 2015-16 and 2016-17 would strengthen the primary care cluster arrangements in Wales.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, health minister Mark Drakeford said: "We have to free up the time of GPs to do the things that only GPs can do."